"The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
"The prince who relies upon their words, without having otherwise provided for his security, is ruined; for friendships that are won by awards, and not by greatness and nobility of soul, although deserved, yet are not real, and cannot be depended upon in time of adversity."
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Source: The Prince. Book by Niccolo Machiavelli, 1513.
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